How to decide where to stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Driving south from Moran in the evening is the perfect time to see the Tetons in a more majestic light. Sun Valley is located along a scenic drive. Did you know that there are ways to make your road trip to Jackson Hole eco-friendly? white water rafting (seasonal), fly fishing, Astoria Bridge Hot Springs, Palisade Reservoir, and boat ramps for water access. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. Suggested drives to view wildlife in Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson Hole, WY., and in Idaho - Teton Valley, Swan Valley, Idaho Falls and Rexburg. If you curtailed your Ketchum adventures to the trails and riverbanks closest to town, this will be your first glimpse of a series of spectacular mountain ranges that ring the city and that stretch well beyond the Sun Valley. . The likelihood of seeing wildlife along this road isnt always a sure thing as with other scenic drives, but its still a possibility. This drive provides, If you did the Kelly Loop above, the Gros Ventre Road to Slide Lake will be familiar. The loop is actually more of a figure 8 shape and features plenty of geysers, pools, plains, and wildlife. ride the ski lift back down again, to spare a hammering of hips and ankles and knees. The drive is only 7.7 miles, but it winds through the trees and there are even 1.5 miles of dirt roads so no need to hurry along this drive. With fewer crowds, wildlife is more prominent in this area as well. Jackson Hole is located in one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and theres no better way to explore this area than by driving through it. . Hilary September 2, 2021. But for local country folk and a few RVs dotting the campgrounds that line the Lemhi River, its a desolate stretch of terrain (in a good way) and a tempting place to stop and set up a quiet camp. Drive 6.5 miles north of town to the Gros Ventre Junction, turn right and follow along the Gros Ventre River. Take the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway and stop for a hike at the Craters of the Moon National Monument, where a lava field spans 618 square miles, before traveling on to Idaho Falls, a quiet and conservative city that feels ripe for a millennial boom that may never materialize. Moose among the wildflowers in the Tetons Gregg Ohanian. Take a scenic drive from Jackson over Teton pass to Victor, Idaho. Adopt a slower pace of life, enjoy some well-deserved rest, and preserve the environment while doing so. If you plan on driving from the airport, take US-26 East until you reach ID-31 East. Getting to Jackson Hole from Idaho Falls is quick and easy. Turn right at the Lower Slide Lake sign and find parking. (Plus, it will be cheaper to split the bill at the station!). . Boring roads are behind you now. Explore the Yellowstone region on Highway 89 and take advantage of hiking trails and scenic pull-offs along the way. The restaurant was excellent. We cant wait to host you. Theres nightlife: weekly Shakespeare performances (seasonally) in Driggs put on by the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks; Music on Main each Thursday from June to August in Victor, which is often capped by a stealth performance by well-known artists at the Knotty Pine; fine breweries in both towns for a post-hike pint; or the nostalgia pick, at The Spud drive-inn movie theater, which plays the newest titles on a screen attached to an old rodeo grandstand as soon as the sun goes down. Before too long, the road levels out along the North Fork Big Lost River, where a few camper vans and RVs have staked out their spots for stargazing: Sun Valley sits in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 13 in the world. Great food and very good service. In downtown Walla Walla, famed Seattle restaurateur Paul Mackay has refurbished an old train station into a world-class steak house and brewery, each with a different vibe, both served by the same kitchen. Add on the short Jenny Lake Loop for even more stunning mountain views. Not including driving time, I would allow at least an hour to explore. One of our most popular scenic drives! If youve got the time, throw on a pack and charge into the wild for a few days, for the Eagle Cap is a breathtaking place to hike. It will not be easy to leave. Connect with travelers planning a visit to Jackson Hole Wyoming. From: If its comfort you seek, mosey on into Joseph, an old cowboy town that is slowly changing into a blazing hot tourism destination. Idaho Falls provides attractions for all ages. There are 2 ways to get from Idaho Falls to Jackson by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. VISITOR CENTER A popular route for local commuters, it runs along the Snake River boasting photo worthy bridges, beautiful foliage, and miles of buttes and mountains. This trail leads to a lovely alpine lake about 4 miles round trip and boasts an easy and fun family outing. Discover all the amazing things Jackson Hole has to offer in our exclusive, free Vacation Guide. This dirt track offers up plenty of opportunities for fall wildlife viewing. We are committed to making our website accessible. Learn how long the drive is from Idaho Falls, where you can stop along the way, and how to make your trip eco-friendly. For a soak of road-weary muscles, head to the Kennedy School. Drive from Idaho Falls to Jackson Hole 458.7 miles $80 - $120 Fly Idaho Falls to Moab 9h 43m Fly from Idaho Falls (IDA) to Moab (CNY) IDA - CNY $534 - $1,415 Bus to Pocatello, fly to Moab 11h 22m Take the bus from Idaho Falls to Pocatello, ID - Maverick Fly from Pocatello (PIH) to Moab (CNY) PIH - CNY $359 - $838 Duration 2h Frequency Twice daily Estimated price $22 - $45 Schedules at saltlakeexpress.com One Way Child (2-12 yr) Take the one-way loop off the main road to visit Jenny Lake, or to do one of the shorter hikes to Leigh Lake (1.8 miles RT) or String Lake (3.7 miles RT). After an hour or so to Council and Cambridge, a right turn hits the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which lines looming cliffs of black and green basalt. This scenic route travels along the Snake River and showcases, beautiful foliage, miles of buttes and mountains with many boat ramps and scenic pull-outs. Surprisingly, the breakfasts are the highlight. But to make this journey an unforgettable one is to saunter from place to place, driving no more than a few hours in each day, and lingering in many of the charming towns scattered along state highways in Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming. Once you have reached Kelly and grabbed a coffee to-go from the local caf, follow the road as it arcs to the left, turn right at the Lower Slide Lake sign and continue. Starting in Jackson Wyoming, head west over Teton Pass (WY-22 turns into ID-33 in Victor). As gold miners and pioneer-settlers traveled along the Oregon Trail, they inevitably passed through the Portneuf Gap to continue on to Oregon or Montana. We highly recommend stopping at the top of the pass to soak in the view. This is a great choice if you want to take it easy and enjoy lifes simple pleasures. Ski resorts and their culture can be obnoxious and overwhelming, but the Grand Targhee Ski Resort & Bike Park is a mellow exception: parked at the crux of Table Mountain and Littles Peak, you can rent mountain bikes in the summer, curling up and down a network of singletrack trails until the snow returns in late fall. The drive from Idaho Falls is very scenic, with the highlight the crossing of Teton Pass between Victor, ID and Jackson, WY at 8,431 feet. It is always a good idea to check the road reports for the . Take the scenic route. Why not take the scenic route right under the nose of Grand Teton National Parks famed peaks? I do not believe I have ever seen such beauty in one area, my camera will never be Spring Creek Ranch was really great and the facilities were first class. The cabin and views were fantastic! Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America, a piece of trivia that becomes too real on the climb out of the canyon, a neverending undulation of switchbacks, the scenery changing so quickly and so dramatically you would be forgiven for stopping every five minutes to snap a new series of photos. 1hr 50min Take HWY 26 East towards Swan Valley, ID 31 over a small mountain pass into Victor then HWY 22 over Teton Pass into Jackson. The likelihood of seeing wildlife along this road isnt always a sure thing as with other scenic drives, but its still a possibility. The drive from Jackson, WY to the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park is a two hour drive north on John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. With a free day in Jackson Hole and so many activities to choose from, what do you do? Note: We highly suggest making your road trip one big loop! Jackson, Wyoming 83001, Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. On the interstate, youre now a six-hour drive from where the trip began, and while home (or the airport) may be enticing, theres one more worthwhile stop to make, for a luxurious capstone to a long road trip. The route offers peaceful and astounding views of the Hoback River with scenery that is everchanging along the way. 5:16 pm arrive in Jackson Hole. Passing ranches and open plains, you will come to the Lower Slide Lake turn off. One of the best aspects of the Inner Loop Road for fall is that elk love to grace along the side of the road. Jackson Hole celebrates the fall colors with epic mountain scenery. The staff at the front desk were exceptional. If a bed sounds better, beeline it to the Limelight Hotel in downtown Ketchum, a five-story design marvel that has defied the expectations of once-wary locals, who were at first unhappy at the idea of interlopers from Aspen setting up shop in their little town. Youll be greeted by amazing views of the Tetons peaks plus the open valley where moose, deer and elk may be seen. The drive is about two hours without traffic but can take longer depending on which way you go and how many stops you make. As you travel up the pass, watch for a small parking area on your left with a dirt road and sign for Phillips Canyon. If youre camping, this is a fine place to end the day. The Moose-Wilson Road is always a must-do when visiting Jackson Hole. Dont forget to pack a picnic lunch. Other popular stops include Grand Targhee Resort, Perrine Memorial Bridge, and Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe. Hard as it will be to abandon this gorgeous region, there are more treasures to be found on the road back to Portland. Special Attractions: Great views of the Teton Mountains; Ashton to Tetonia Trail; Targhee National Forest; Teton Geotourism Center in Driggs; and Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Terminating in the quiet town of Alpine, Snake River Canyon makes for a wonderful half-day of fall driving. Old Faithful, just before erupting. The best way to cut through the chaff (and avoid parking nightmares) is to book a tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, whose guides are fonts of information and who know all of the places that are worth stopping or better off skipped. Just before entering the town of Ashton, turn right onto ID-47/Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. In the Tetons, sleuth out the hidden trail to Delta Lake, a punishing but worthwhile climb to a pristine alpine lake tucked in the middle of the range. Read on to discover the benefits of each of them. Find parking is about two hours without traffic but can take longer depending on way. Region on Highway 89 and take advantage of hiking trails and scenic pull-offs along the way idea to check road. Enjoy some well-deserved rest, and boat ramps for water access youre camping, this is great. 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